SILKY GEM PRESS RELEASE CONTENT

Gia Huynh is a Vietnam-born entrepreneur and the founder of Silky Gem, a company specializing in artisanal, sugar-coated candy that pays homage to traditional Vietnamese treats. Starting her life in America in 2016 with only $50 in her pocket, Gia’s journey is one of resilience and determination. She initially worked at a nail salon upon her arrival in the United States, but through hardship, struggle, and her enterprising spirit, she eventually created a thriving business that celebrates her Vietnamese heritage and memories of Lunar New Year festivities.

After the grand opening of its store last summer at 332 Main St in Gaithersburg’s Kentlands, the store has been described as the first crystal candy shop to open in the United States. Going from strength to strength, Silky Gem has gone viral online for their creative videos and products on the likes of Instagram and TikTok, racking up millions of views.

About owner Gia Huynh: “Growing up in a financially disadvantaged family in Vietnam, I couldn’t even guarantee finishing fifth grade. I’ve always carried a sense of insecurity about my background and education. However, as I grew up and faced many life challenges, destiny took an unexpected turn. About 3.5 years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself homeless with my 5-week-old baby.

Despite these hardships, I worked tirelessly day and night to make something extraordinary happen. Eventually, destiny smiled upon me, and I founded Silky Gem. At that time, I was working in a nail salon, making $400-$500 a week as a single mom. I’d work from 9 AM to 7 PM at the salon, then return home to spend time with my son before staying up until 3 or 4 in the morning, crafting candies and content.

After three months of relentless effort, we finally had a breakthrough when we achieved a significant sales milestone, and from there, everything took off. In just 18 months, Silky Gem has sold over 2 million pieces of candy and more than 160,000 collection boxes, with our success reaching a global audience. We even received recognition from Cardi B for our candies.”

“I saw the potential in the candy because not only is it very unique, it’s beautiful, and you can’t find it anywhere.” – Gia’s identification of a niche market played a crucial role in the brand’s inception. Choosing to reinvent Mứt by shaping it into enticing, crystalline forms stood as a testament to her innovative spirit. This move powerfully underscores how entrepreneurs can look to their past to find inspiration that resonates in the future.

In the digital age, social media influencers have the power to make or break brands. Gia’s experience with Silky Gem is a case study in the efficient use of influencer marketing to skyrocket sales and brand awareness. When a prominent influencer with a Vietnamese American background shared Gia’s candy, it led to a cascade of attention and an explosive increase in sales. In a single day, Silky Gem’s revenue surged to $3,000, underscoring how influential endorsements can accelerate a brand’s growth.

“Silky Gem” was a viral hashtag for the year of 2022. Silky Gem Crystal candy was pretty much a viral hashtag. And if people use it, usually their video will go viral.”

The act of entrepreneurship can be cathartic and empowering, especially for those who have faced immense hardships. Gia’s story of overcoming abuse, homelessness, and the struggles of establishing a life in a new country demonstrates the therapeutic power of building something from scratch. Through Silky Gem, she found a sense of purpose and a way to regain confidence, crystallizing her place in a foreign land and providing for her family against all odds.

Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey can be transformative, not just in a financial sense, but in a deeply personal way, too. It can serve as a beacon of hope and a means of reclaiming agency in one’s life. For many, like Gia, it becomes a conduit for personal growth and emotional resilience.

The compelling tale of Gia Huynh and Silky Gem serves as a profound example of how cultural products can be adapted for new markets, the enabling role of social media in modern business, and the personal empowerment that entrepreneurship can foster. This exemplary account of determination, innovation, and cultural pride is a testament to the vital role entrepreneurship plays in not just building businesses, but rebuilding lives.

“I come from a girl who was homeless, who didn’t even graduate fifth grade, and I was broke, but I gave myself that last trust…and I made it happen.”